The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme, marked its seventh anniversary on Tuesday, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasizing its role in building a healthier India where no citizen is left behind.
Launched on September 23, 2018, AB PM-JAY provides annual health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The scheme currently benefits around 55 crore individuals, representing 12.37 crore families in the economically vulnerable bottom 40 per cent of India’s population.
Highlighting the scheme’s reach, Nadda said, “Today marks seven successful years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, providing universal health coverage and extending support to citizens during their most vulnerable times.”
According to the Health Ministry, the scheme has authorised over 9.84 crore hospital admissions worth more than Rs. 1.40 lakh crore to date. Currently, 31,466 hospitals are empanelled under AB PM-JAY, including 14,194 private hospitals, while more than 41 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued nationwide.
The program has also helped reduce out-of-pocket expenditure through increased social security measures and primary health spending. Nadda underscored the importance of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, noting that over 1.8 lakh such centres have redefined healthcare access, ensuring millions receive safe and dignified medical services.
Credit for the scheme’s success, Nadda added, goes to the “united efforts of the government, healthcare providers, and citizens.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to quality healthcare across income groups and geographies.
“As we celebrate seven years of Ayushman Bharat, our vision remains a future where every Indian has access to high-quality health care. The journey ahead is significant, but our determination is unwavering,” Nadda said, emphasizing that the initiative embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for universal health coverage and the nation’s resolve to safeguard public health.
